When you get an old dog at home, there are a lot of things to do. A new owner has to face big changes if he wants his old dog to live in harmony with the rest of the family. Part of the family will be forced to make some changes and learn how to care for an old dog.
Obviously, senior dogs are the most fragile ones. So they need your care and love during this period of their lives, which can be up to 16 years or more in some cases.
Depending on the breed and good care of his previous owners, you may see him for many more years, though. The following are some tips for caring for an old dog:
Make Him a Part of the Family
An old dog needs a quiet and safe place all day long while you’re away at work or school. It’s recommended that he stays in your garden to take good care of him. You can then find lovely places for his bedding and water bowl in the shade if needed.
When you come back home in the evening or on weekends, he will be there to greet you and show you happiness for this long time together.
Regular Pet Visits
If your old dog is taken care of by a vet, make sure to explain all the things you need to know. You should help him with his weight gain problems, kidney and heart diseases if necessary.
There are some treatments for arthritis possible, which can keep him going for years without pain. CBD oil for dogs with arthritis is also likely to be used for this purpose. Try them if your old dog has problems with arthritis, but do not hesitate to ask his vet about these products.
Feed Him Well
You should ask his vet about the food he needs and how much of it. Many old dogs cannot eat all sorts of dog food, so you will have to look for specific products made just for them.
It’s also good to know that old dogs cannot eat food rich in proteins and carbohydrates either. Give him easy-to-digest foods so he doesn’t suffer from diarrhea or constipation.
He Needs Special Care
During summer periods, old dogs will need more water than usual. They are the more sensitive ones when it comes to temperature changes, so make sure he doesn’t get dehydrated. You can find unique cooling beds for old dogs, where they can lay down and be kept cool all day long.
At the same time, if your dog is not used to this lovely weather, do not expose him to direct sunlight for a long time either. In winter periods, you will have to check the temperature outside before you let him go out. A coat for dogs with arthritis will be good to keep their joints safe and warm.
Walk Him Regularly
Old dogs need to walk to stay healthy and agile. However, walking should not be too long since they are the ones that get tired first. Warm up your old dog before you walk with him, as it will help him keep a good pace throughout the walk and breathe better.
Take him for a few minutes every day if his health conditions allow it, but don’t force him too much.
As you can see, taking care of an old dog is not so complex. You have to be loving and patient with him all the time, so the dog does not suffer from loneliness or boredom. Old dogs are happy if they have a place in your family, but sometimes their owners do not allow them to stay there for various reasons.
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